Mazu (goddess) Facts for Kids

Mazu, the protector of the sea

Mazu, also known as Matsu, is a popular goddess in Taoism and Chinese Buddhism. She is seen as the goddess and protector of the sea. Many people believe she keeps fishermen and sailors safe. Mazu is widely honored in southern China, Taiwan, Vietnam, and other coastal regions. She is often called the "Empress of Heaven" or "Holy Mother Empress of Heaven." Other names for her include "Heavenly Imperial Concubine" and "Heavenly Holy Mother."

Mazu's Life and Legends
- How Mazu is Honored
  - Mazu's Appearance
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Mazu's Life and Legends

Mazu was born on March 23, 906. A legend says that when she was born, she didn't cry. Because of this, she was named Lin Moniang, which means "Silent Girl." She had a mysterious ability to predict the weather and often warned people not to travel on the sea during storms. She was also a very strong swimmer and would often rescue people from the ocean, even in dangerous weather.

There are two main stories about how Mazu died:

One story says that Mazu went out into a storm at sea to find her lost father. She searched for hours but couldn't find him and later died from exhaustion.
Another story tells that Mazu climbed a mountain alone and then flew up into the heavens, becoming a goddess.

A statue of Mazu

How Mazu is Honored

After Mazu's death, her family and many other families of sailors and fishermen began to pray to her. They honored her for her brave actions in trying to save people at sea. Soon, her worship quickly spread to other parts of Asia.

Starting in Fujian, Mazu's worship moved to nearby coastal areas like Zhejiang and Guangdong. From there, it spread to all coastal parts of mainland China. Later, as Chinese people moved to new places, the worship of Mazu also spread to Taiwan, Vietnam, Japan, the Ryukyu Islands, and parts of Southeast Asia. Many people soon built temples dedicated to Mazu all over the world.

A Mazu temple in Nansha

Mazu's Appearance

Mazu is usually shown sitting on a special throne. She is often seen with two powerful helpers known as "Thousand Miles Eye" (Qianli Yan) and "With-the-Wind Ear" (Shunfeng Er). Legend says that Mazu defeated both of them in a fight, and then they fell in love with her. Mazu said she would marry the one who could defeat her. Using her amazing martial arts skills, Mazu defeated them both, and they became her loyal friends and helpers.

In paintings and murals, Mazu is usually dressed in a red robe. In sculptures, she wears beautiful, jewel-covered robes like an empress. She often holds a special ceremonial tablet or a jeweled staff. She also wears a unique flat-topped imperial cap with hanging beads in the front and back.